How will the Physical Urban Environment be Affected by Obamacare?

While discussions about the Affordable Care Act mainly have focused on how the healthcare law affects consumers, developers of hospitals and medical facilities also are feeling the impact of the legislation.

Clement Lau, a Los Angeles County-based planner, outlines some of the ways healthcare providers are rethinking design of new facilities and working to revamp older ones in response to the law.

With more people insured and baby boomers approaching the age where their medical needs have increased, larger facilities are necessary and hospital construction is on the rise, according to Lau.

He goes on the write about how hospitals and medical facilities are a key factor when it comes to planning and quality of life.

“…hospitals are very important to the quality of life in communities in terms of the medical services they offer, the jobs they provide, and the ways they contribute to the built environment. From a planning standpoint, we must be aware of the changes that are and will be taking place with regards to medical facilities.”